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About
Notobella Designs, LLC

Your logo, identity, marketing and website can define you, and I can help!

My design philosophy is equal parts for fun and functionality.

My personal work incorporates every influence, from Asian art to hip 50s retro, but I balance all that with a sense of clean, efficient minimalism.

I combine a sense of fun experimentation with a tireless work ethic that I look forward to offering to all my clients. I believe that artistry and functionality can go hand in hand.

My greatest ability as a designer, which I look so forward to offering to you, is this sense of balance. This balance is further reflected in my work ethic. All my clients can look forward to a professional relationship based on honesty, respect, and accountability.

To the end of being the most competent, efficient, and versatile designer possible, I use all industry-standard design technology for creating publications, flyers, posters, logos, ads, and more.

I am proficient in InDesign CS4, Photoshop CS4, Illustrator CS4, Dreamweaver CS4, and Flash CS4. I am also proficient in QuarkXPress 5.0 and less, though InDesign is the only program I actively utilize for layout design.

Whether in print or online, I hope you'll return to Notobella Designs, LLC for something a little more — you!

Reviews

Sara is absolutely amazing! I have worked with her on several projects and she never fails to impress. Not only is her work completely in line with my vision but she is quick, makes great suggestions and is just a pleasure to work with.She is extremely responsive, and although we live in different cities and have never met, or even talked on the phone, we are able to clearly and effectively communicate. She listens well and totally gets what I need. I feel so lucky to have found Sara. She's everything you could hope for in a designer: super talented, easy to work with, and incredibly fast. I look forward to working with her again, again and again.

Sara, I am nothing without you! Thanks for everything. =)

Cheryl C.

5/5 stars
August 1, 2011

Sara consistently delivers, applying her brand of creative spunk to everything from large scale projects to 'I need this one simple thing done super quick' items. Great quality and amazing turnaround time on work that delivers real business results- all while being genuinely fun to work with. Get Sara on your team.

Daniel T.

5/5 stars
July 14, 2011

I have had the pleasure of working with Sara for 5+ years. Sara's creative talent reigns supreme! When I approach Sara with a project, I always know that the work will be on time and speaks to the message I need to portray. I am always willing to refer others to Sara because I know her work is excellent. Sara always finds time to lend her talent to charitable projects. I am thrilled to call Sara my friend, colleague, and designer!

Kim L.

5/5 stars
July 6, 2011

Sara is a graphic design goddess! She has been amazing to work with. Sara was recommended to my be a friend, and we are so lucky to have found her. When we first contacted Sara to design our website, we didn't even have our store front yet, and all we had was the smallest, dimmest idea of how we wanted our store (and, in turn, our website) to look. But Sara somehow just knew what we were looking for, and our website turned out FANTASTIC. Our customers are always telling us that our adorable website is one of the things that made them choose us. Next, Sara designed our business cards. They are unique and creative, and nothing like your typical "business card." Then came stickers, brochures, gift certificates, and frequent buyer cards. I don't think there is anything Sara can't do! We can't say enough wonderful things about her. She is just the absolute best in the business. Thanks Sara!

Haley C.

5/5 stars
July 6, 2011

Sara "saw me" and that is what makes her truly unique. We sat together and talked about my vision. She took her gift for "getting people" and translated me perfectly to logo and webpage. I did not make one change to her design. She nailed it. I also have to believe that what she saw in me reflects how others may see me as well. Keeping this in mind...her perspective is a valuable tool if I am brave enough to embrace it. Often we think we know what others see as we impose our opinions on the world...maybe the mirrow of another is more accurate than the one we choose to see???
I LOVE her honesty. I can tell you that I feel safe in her capable hands and that feeling is priceless.

Andrea W.

5/5 stars
June 30, 2011

We have been working with Sara for over two years and she is wonderful! I don't know what we would do without her. She is creative, efficient and awesome to work with. She completely gets us and always comes back with something creative and fun! I highly recommend her to anyone!

FaithfulFish K.

5/5 stars
June 30, 2011

I love working with Sara. She picked up right away on the flavor that I wanted in all my projects and ran with it. I have never been disappointed. She is easy to work with and completes all projects in a timely manner. I look forward to continuing a wonderful working relationship.

Margaret R.

5/5 stars
June 30, 2011

Sarah has been great to work with - she has a nice eye for design, she handles everything from beginning to end, and she has a quick turnaround. Love it!

Linda S.

5/5 stars
June 29, 2011

Sara Noto is no doubt one of the best service provider referrals I have received in my long career. When I launched my company, a colleague proactively recommended Sara because she was incredibly impressed with Sara's talent, creativity, knowledge, and responsiveness. I made the call to Sara three years ago and now she can't shake me! She's been with me from the ground up for both my consulting practice launch as well as my ministry launch. The ongoing feedback I receive from my client base regarding my branding and design all points back to Sara - the feedback could fill volumes.

Over the three years, Sara has performed what you might expect from a world-class design provider...incredible upfront brainstorming and design options that hit the mark first round. What has totally surprised me is Sara's deep knowledge and skill base in actually building out websites from start to finish. In addition, Sara has gone above and beyond in responding when urgent situations arise. She will do whatever it takes to get the job done and get it done well. As my trust grew in Sara, I began to think of her more like a business partner that I can bounce ideas off of. Another great surprise - I now consider Sara a great friend as we walk this journey of life. I am extremely grateful my journey crossed paths with the path of Designer Extraordinaire Sara Noto.

Susan C.

5/5 stars
June 29, 2011

Sara:

Thanks for the logo, letterhead and constructing my company a magnificent website. You're a real pro and I look forward to developing other projects with you.

Harry R.

5/5 stars
June 29, 2011

I landed another long term client last week because of Sara Notos graphic design super powers! They loved how professional my website was and told me to thank my graphic designer for doing such a great job. With my business it is very important that people trust me with their pets and homes. Sara has helped me grow my business and so much more. I cannot thank her enough!
Bonnie, owner of Wonder Woman Pet Care

Bonnie P.

5/5 stars
June 28, 2011

What can I say? Sara Noto and Notobella Designs, LLC. are the ultimate in Graphic and Website Design. Notobella has helped me brand my company and has aided in me taking my business to the next level. Notbella is always on time and target with my projects not to mention their superior Customer Service and professionalism. Notobella, my Graphic Designer and Webmater for LIFE!

Notobella Designs took my company and branded it from the logo, magazine layouts, ads, business cards, media kit to the website. She is creative, effective, listens, visionary, fast, affordable all with a great attitude. Best investment I made in my business was hiring Notobella Designs. I can put my 5 years of working experience in one word "WOW" ! Look no further when you want the best.

Jan H.

5/5 stars
June 28, 2011

Sara Noto (Notobella Designs) worked with us very closely in the design and set up of our new website, and did a great job that pleased everyone, despite the drawbacks of working with a committee! She is extremely efficient, responsive and helpful, and always there to help when we need it. She is very intuitive and understands what you are asking for even if you don't have the right technical terms to explain it. Highly intelligent, creative, and responsible!

Kelly O.

5/5 stars
June 28, 2011

Notobella Designs is thoroughly gifted--and, when required--clients receive the benefits of quick turnaround. The owner of the company is awesome. I would recommend this designer to all!

Donna R.

5/5 stars
June 27, 2011

Sara literally does.it.all. She's super talented and full of creative ideas for every project I've ever tossed her way, and ridiculously efficient, punctual, and precise about everything she works on. Her turn around is VERY quick and she has this fabulous way of putting a little piece of herself in everything she designs. She's been a wonderful asset to my business growth and a great designer to work with!

Melissa P.

5/5 stars
June 27, 2011

Gifted artist. I have used her services for years and 100% satisfied!

Cindy L.

5/5 stars
June 27, 2011

Not only is Notobella Designs, LLC (Sara) a fabulous and talented designer she is also very efficient and on top of the project! Sara has done several projects for me including logo design, business card design, website, rack card design and even avatars for ETSY. Any time I ask her for something she is always willing to help me with what I need right away. She is wonderful about communicating on a regular basis throughout the project and beyond. I continually recieve newsletters and updates as well.
Sara has a way of understanding and knowing exactly what you want. She was able to "get inside my head". As a fellow "designer/creator" I appreciate her talent and gift for graphic design (not my area of expertise). I would not want to use anyone else! I highly recomend Sara, Notobella Designs,LLC). Thank You Sara!

Question and answer

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Currently my most common jobs are working with start-up companies in creating their branding/marketing. We start with logo designs and work our way to stationery, advertising, websites and whatever else the client needs. I've been incredibly busy with website design and brochure design as of late. While most of my work is in the web field, I still have a fondness for print design and love working in that medium whenever possible.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Do your research. It's easy to find the cheapest most accessible designer out there, but to find a quality designer that is reasonable will save you time, headache and money in the long run. Be sure that the designer you choose can stay within budget, and meet your design needs.

It's also always a good idea to be sure that your chosen provider has a network of other designers, programmers, or skilled professionals that they can turn to should you hit any bumps in a road.

Last, but not least, be clear in your communication about what you are looking for. It's easiest to let a designer run with their creative energy, but as the client, it's always a good idea to be there to reign it in when necessary.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. I always like to know what the creative process is and how long it actually takes. I feel a great sense of guilt when a new client comes to me and has been duped by any other skilled professional into paying too much for too little.

Always find out the creative process of the professional of your choice, and find out their time lines and turn arounds ... and how they are with deadlines. Once you know these things - try and stick to them yourself. As a client once I know what the creative process is, I try to adhere to a strict rule of meeting the professionals time requirements as well. This will lead to great mutual respect AND will aid in expediting project times.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. After you've done your research, you'll know exactly what type of services your looking for. Make sure the professional you are hiring can meet those needs, and if they cannot, make sure they have a network of skilled professionals that can. It's a good idea to keep your marketing/design in one place so everything is cohesive and consistent in design and pricing.

Be upfront about what you need to know, ask about terms and conditions, if there are contracts involved, estimated turn around time, deposits, final payments, and most importantly availability. It's no good if you find the professional you want, only to find out they can turn around a project within one week ... but they are only available to work on it in a month.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. It's always important to know what your budget is. Can you afford to hire a professional for a full branding/marketing identity - or can you afford just a business card? Gather your research information, along with your needs and desires before talking with your chosen professional. Be honest and up front about what you can and can't afford, and what you're looking for from your designer.

A lot of times, I'll have new clients come to me with a very small budget and very large dreams. Be willing to compromise on what you feel you need and listen to the suggestions of your professional. If they are worth their salt, they won't lead you astray and most will be willing to create a payment plan, or outline the projects for you in order of importance, so you can get everything done.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. My work is a clear representation of my both my personality and that of my client. 90% of the time I've given the ideas and tools to make sure that every aspect of marketing and design meets my clients needs, and then I'm allowed to create to my hearts content.

I don't stop until my client is 100% satisfied with the outcome, and I'm just as proud to put my name on the final product.

My work attracts clients that are in the market for a timeless design that will grow with them, and can be easily modified for whatever the future will bring.

It's a win-win-win situation for the client and myself, and I think that is what keeps me going and designing at my best.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love taking my dog to work everyday. I work from my home, so I have the freedom to keep a schedule that I'm most comfortable with, and to be surrounded by the art, music, and animals that are important me - without the risk of offending or turning anyone off due to style or taste or allergies.

I also love the freedom of being able to pick and choose my projects. I've been a designer for 15+ years, and launched my own business officially 5 years ago ... it took 3 years just to make sure I paid my dues. Now that I have a reputation and most of my business is word of mouth, it's nice to know that if a project doesn't appeal to me, or if I don't feel I can do the project the service it requires I can pass it on to a networking skilled professional, or turn it down all together, without any guilt.

A. I do a lot of website designs for small upstart business and the most common question I get is: do you host my site?

My answer is always: No. I do not personally host any clients' website or purchase their domains for them. In the event that the client has a change of heart, isn't enjoying my work or working with me, I like for them to have the security of knowing that they still own their domain name and their server space.

Another question I get all the time is: what can you do for me?

My answer: Pretty much whatever you need! Print design, web design and small business branding/marketing is my speciality. AND if there is something you need that I can't do, I have a wonderful network of skilled professionals that I can outsource to, to meet your needs.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. Honestly, I enjoy working with all of my clients. They always give me the freedom to design for them as I would for myself.

But, I have to say, my favorite moment as a designer was when I finally finalized my own marketing and branding. For years, every year, I would redesign my own personal logo and website. When I finally decided to use my own image for my logo, it was like a huge sigh of relief. I finally felt that I had created an identity for myself that I could use and be proud of for years ... and I have. I truly exist within my own brand.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I wish it wasn't so harsh, but I'm not a phone person ... I'm also not a "meet in person" person. This isn't because I don't enjoy people - it's because I work on multiple projects at once. In any given day I'm working on at least 6 projects, and it's easier for me to communicate via email and continue to multi-task.

I'm always willing to meet in person and have a cup of coffee with a client, especially if they are local. It's good to put a face to a name/voice/email, and I'm all for that, but I have to schedule it way in advance so I can prepare my other clients' for my absence from the work day.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. Art runs in my family ... most of my uncles are artists, one is even an art teach at a university. I thought, while in school, I wanted to go the business route ... I soon learned it just wasn't for me. I think far too outside the box for that. I took an art class my senior year of high-school and got a job at a local newspaper doing the pagination (layout) of the paper itself ... it was love at first typesetting.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I just recently wrapped the development and design of apublicrelationscompany.com

A local PR firm and close friend of mine who relates closely with Whales ... as it turns out, the whale was a great inspiration for me within her logo and her website. It's unbelievably cute and functional and really captures her personality. I'm very proud of the final outcome of all of her marketing materials.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I'm currently far to busy to take time off for outside schooling, but I subscribe to numerous design magazines that keep me up to date on the latest tips and techniques of the programs I use ... including new technology out there that will help expand my services to my clients.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. I've been working with a new client creating her marketing and branding for a trade show. Her primary goal was to create press kits and packaging for her product, as well as complete the design on her stationery and create new ads.

The final invoice was less than $1500 (which included design, printing and shipping fees).

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. My pricing system is incredibly simple. I have flat rates for most of my common design projects and I always provide a price accurate estimate and contract before any work begins. Contact me with your design needs and I'll be happy to get back with you with a proposal ASAP.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Definitely go to school. Take all of the art classes you can - and then focus on the programs. Graphic/web design these days is mostly computerized. If you can't use the programs, you'll have a very hard time dealing with printers and other service providers.

Also, build your portfolio. You can graduate top of your class - but if you don't have a portfolio to show what you can do and have done, your degree won't mean anything.

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